Pumpkin Patch, Making Fun a Priority for Health

by Meri on October 17, 2012

Last weekend we visited the pumpkin patch with our close friends complete with pony rides, corn maze, train rides and petting zoo. As you can see above, a little chicken chasing did occur but I assure you, no chickens were harmed during this outing and in the end Birdie and the chicken ended up having a nice moment where the said chicken let her pet her feathers. Then of course Birdie tried to explore the chicken’s foot and it all ended promptly.

I love any opportunity to go to a farm to show my kids where their food comes from and always try to incorporate the food into recipes so they can witness the whole process. This week we’ve had pumpkin muffins, dips and smoothies…recipes to come! And of course, we decorated our pumpkins for the front porch.

I also appreciate the importance of spending time with friends and family. It always amazes me how uplifting it is to hang out and laugh with friends. We don’t do this nearly enough and more than food or exercise, it’s something I always struggle with. Mark and I get caught up in the day to day and work, and before you know it, months have passed since we’ve spent time with friends. I tend to put too much on my plate and squeeze out my social time which is something I really have to put an end to. It’s important to me that my kids know how to have fun and enjoy a sense of community.

In the Mediterranean, one of the key lifestyle practices is to spend time with family and friends weekly. Many cultures place a high value on this concept and I’m afraid in America we’re getting further away from it. When thinking about good health it’s so easy to get caught up in diet and exercise and lose site of simple things like laughing and spending time with others as an important part of our overall health.

I’m happy to say I’m going out with a friend tonight for dinner so I’m working on it! So far, I’ve spent time with friends 3 weeks in a row which is a big change for me. Now to keep it up.

I wonder, do other parents of young children struggle with making time with friends? Do you make it a priority?

Yes, relaxing with friends and family is always tough. I remember as a kid we’d go to my grandparents’ camp and cookout with aunts/uncles/cousins every weekend.

But these days…well, I don’t live near family. And we both work. And weekends are filled with chores. And…you know how it goes. My son wants to play with friends on the weekends, and I just want a day or two to chill at home with Mike and the boys. I can tell when I overdo it too. Mike’s traveling and puts an extra strain with work and the kids.

I have been pretty good at going out with other friends a few times since the baby was born. It has been nice. Now I just need a date night or two with the hubby.

I have a major problem with spending time with friends…maybe twice a year I get a lunch or dinner with them?? But that’s mostly because I must prioritize the Program right now, so I can graduate on a few more years. I think I would otherwise make much more time for friends!

I hope the kiddos are getting easier now! We are at that crazy stage where we can’t do anything without 3-4 adults. Can’t wait to be able to take them to the petting zoo and not have them eat the hay!